SPRINGTIME IN PARADISE...gentle flows of spring runoff, mild whitewater, wildflower hikes, bird watching...comfortable days and cool evenings, campfires and hot chocolate, wildlife, and glorious forests to explore.

SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS' Grande Ronde dory and raft trips are based out of Moscow, ID. On the eve of your trip we will meet you at your hotel to give you your river bags and answer any last minute questions you may have. We provide almost everything you will need for your trip beginning with a scenic three and a half hour ride by bus or van to your put-in near Minam, Oregon. Lunch will be ready when you arrive and after you eat, your guides will take a few minutes to get you fitted in your lifejacket. Your Grande Ronde trip actually launches on the Wallowa River which flows into the Grande Ronde 10 miles downstream. For the next five days you will float through a deep, remote and forested canyon, exploring and discovering along the way. You will travel a total of 90 river miles before you reach the take-out at Heller Bar, WA on the Snake River and you from there you will be shuttled back to your hotel in Moscow.  Large meadows and benches provide great camping and easy access to hiking opportunities (easy to moderate). Bring you binoculars and your camera - there is so much to see and photographic opportunities abound! The Grande Ronde, with its gentle current and mild whitewater, is a perfect river to try out an inflatable kayak, or you may choose to sit back and enjoy riding in a dory rowed by one of our terrific guides. At camp you can relax and read or join a hike for a spectacular view of the river canyon.

CAMPING ON THE GRANDE RONDE RIVER
In keeping with the nature of the place, SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS provide a participatory experience. We camp daily along the river on beautiful grassy meadows and forest benches among towering Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir trees. In addition to setting up your personal campsite, you may choose to be involved in setting up camp. You will also have the opportunity, if you like, to help the crew in the preparation of meals.

GROUP SIZE
At SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS we choose to run smaller trips than many of our fellow outfitters. This allows you, your fellow travelers and your guides and crew all to get to know each other. Our trips on the Grande Ronde generally range from 8 to 12 participants with 4 to 5 guides and crew. As regulated by the USDA Forest Service our maximum trip size is 25 inclusive of all. Our guest to guide ratio is never greater than four to one.

Experience, age, and fitness
We recommend the GrandeRonde River trip for children 8 years of age and older and there is no upper age limit. You should be reasonably healthy because river trips require a certain amount of physical exertion. If you have a health condition you should have physician approval before embarking on any river trip. Persons with handicaps and challenges are welcome on our trips, we will need to talk with you to be sure we can meet your special requirements and needs for safety.

SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS provides each guest with a Coast Guard Approved/Type V Lifejacket, all eating utensils (including plates, bowls, and flatware), an insulated coffee mug with lid, a high quality 3-season tent (double occupancy), waterproof bags for personal gear, and storage for breakable items.

Clothing
Since the weather can be variable and layers are always a good bet. When you sign up for a trip with us, you will receive an information package which will include a detailed list of what you will need to bring with you to be comfortable both on the river and at camp.

Sleepkits
Sundog Expeditions has Rental Sleepkits available. Each kit includes a high quality sleeping bag, pillow, pillowcase, sheet, ground cloth and a comfortable sleeping pad (paco pad). Rentals are $40 per person/trip. All sleeping gear is thoroughly laundered after each use.

WEATHER
Spring and early summer on the Wallowa-Grande Ronde can bring warm days, cool nights, and sometimes thundershowers. Daytime temperatures may range from 55-90 degrees with nighttime lows from 40 to 60 degrees . On occasion it may rain throughout the day.

River classification
ClassII - III Whitewater

LODGING AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Our Grande Ronde River trips are based out of Moscow, Idaho and our guests usually stay at the Best Western University Inn where our pre-trip meetings are held. SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS will make your reservations for you. You will be able to store your luggage and valuables at the hotel. If you are driving you can leave your car there as well. The hotel provides shuttle service to and from the Pullman/Moscow Airport.

TRAVEL
When you sign up for a trip with us you will receive a detailed information pack which will include information on travel and accommodations

BY AIR fly to SPOKANE, WASHINGTON
The closest International Airport to Moscow, Idaho is located in Spokane, Washington, which is approximately 80 miles to the north. Spokane International Airport is serviced by most major airlines.

FROM SPOKANE TO MOSCOW
To get to Moscow... You can rent a car and drive (Hertz offers one-way rentals to Moscow -1(800)654-3131). *Rental cars should be reserved well in advance to insure availability. 
OR Take a shuttle. Wheatland Express - Airport Shuttle Service between Spokane International Airport and Moscow, Id. Monday - Friday 3 trips daily; Weekends - 1 trip daily (2pm). Current price is $45 per person each way and subject to change. Advance reservations required. Please visit the website at wheatlandexpress.com or call 800.334.2207 for more information.

BY AIR fly to PULLMAN/MOSCOW
You can fly directly into the Pullman/Moscow Airport through Seattle, Washington on Horizon Air (Alaska Airlines). For reservations call 1-800-547-9308. DRIVING If you are driving to Moscow, Idaho we recommend that you consult one of the travel planners found on the internet for directions.

Meals and Food
All meals will be provided on the river beginning with lunch before we launch on the first day of your trip and ending with lunch on the river before we reach our take-out. We serve a wonderful menu of delicious and healthy foods. Including fresh fruits, vegetables and meats which we carry in large coolers. Each evening and morning your crew will prepare amazing meals and lunch will be prepared on the river at around noontime. We are able to accommodate most all dietary requests and requirements.

A sample menu for one day might go something like this...For Breakfast, Fresh Brewed Coffee, Tea, and Orange Juice, Blueberry Pancakes with real Maple Syrup, Thick-sliced Bacon, and Grapefruit and Orange Compote. For Lunch on the river...Mexican Burrito Wrap Sandwiches with Tortilla chips, guacamole and salsa. And later on at camp, Egg Drop Soup, Marinated Mushrooms, Gouda Cheese and Crackers. Dinner of fresh Curried Shrimp served with Balsamic Rice and a fresh Caesar Salad. For Dessert...Cheesecake!

Bathing You may bathe using river water at any of our camps. To keep the Grande Ronde River clean all soap is rinsed off above the annual high water mark. Bring your soap, shampoo, and a towel and our guides will tell our everything you will need to know. Sundog Expeditions practices LOW IMPACT camping techniques.*

Toilet: in order to maintain the pristine camps on the Grande Ronde River we carry out all waste and trash. Each day when you arrive at camp your guides will set up a private portable toilet system. Please don't worry! Your comfort is paramount and your crew will explain everything you need to know at the very beginning your trip.

Campfires
Campfires are made in fire pans to avoid scorching the sand or soil and allowing us to remove the ash from our campsite, leaving a no trace camp.

Gratuity
Our guides work very hard to provide a great trip for you. At your discretion, a tip may be left with your trip leader and will be appreciated by all of your crew